25 Yards of Camden Yards – The Fans’ Perspective

It was 25 years ago, on Monday 6 April 1992, when the first pitch was thrown in Baltimore’s brand new ballpark, Oriole Park at Camden Yards (OPACY).

That first pitch, tossed by Rick Sutcliffe, ushered in a new era of modern-day major league ballparks, with OPACY being the catalyst for many stadiums built in the quarter century since.

Sutcliffe would go on to toss a complete game, two-hit shutout, as the O’s beat the Cleveland Indians 2-0, scoring two in the 5th courtesy of Chris Hoiles and Billy Ripken. That 1992 team would go on to finish 3rd (of 7) in the American League East division, owning a very respectable 89-73 record.

OPACY is renowned for its level of ‘fan-friendliness’, with well-located concession stands, bars, dining areas, and toilets. The backdrop of the Warehouse provides a unique setting, and the ballpark is just a short walk from the inner harbour downtown.

With such a wonderful stadium serving the baseballing community over the last 25 years, I took to Twitter to gather a collection of fans’ favorite moments…